News or entertainment? [Archives:2006/920/Viewpoint]

Should newspapers give readers what they need or what they want? The difference between tabloid and serious newspapers is decreasing by the day. “Readers want to read hot, sensational topics and we should give them that!” said one of my enthusiastic reporters in the last Yemen Times editorial meeting. But is it really fair to create a fuss out of nothing and dramatize the news to sell papers? What happened to good news judgment? The crises the world is witnessing today regarding the controversial Danish caricatures are being overblown by both print and mass media. More and more newspapers are republishing the caricatures, even in Muslim countries. Before this controversial issue came to life, many newspapers – even in Yemen – opted to defame certain celebrities or society figures or spread scandalous rumors to make that issue a best-seller. Eventually, it all boils down to politics.

I believe the purpose of constructive journalism has been lost somewhere amid circulation figures and bank accounts of publishing houses. It is not that journalists should refrain from reporting controversial or so-called hot stories; it is more about keeping a balance and providing useful information. Competition and expanding media channels probably have to do with this tabloid-like trend. It is much easier to stand out by quoting something outrageous or publishing a taboo picture than to work hard on a good investigative report. For example, Yemenis mostly are moved by two issues: religion and politics. This is why many Yemeni journalists tend to ignore other potential stories regarding development, gender or even culture, considering them less attractive domains. People apparently have less time to read today than they used to. Moreover, with the increasing burdens of life, they want to read something light and entertaining, not something to ponder or requiring critical thinking.

However, if media continues giving readers what they want – or rather, what they think they want – where will we be next? For example, causing an international crisis through publishing and republishing the controversial Danish caricatures really is getting us nowhere. The same goes for pushing angry masses toward the edge of sanity and leading them to destroy public and diplomatic premises. There is a social responsibility that comes with being able to influence others, whether through newspapers, television, radio or other mass communication. A constructive message must be conveyed and media members should be the first to enhance awareness and promote tolerance, even if that means selling fewer papers. If all media came together for this purpose, readers eventually would come around and we would have a better, more intellectual and tolerant society in the end.
——
[archive-e:920-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-02-13-p:view]